Sweat Bees – Halicitidae Family

Sweat Bees   Family: Halictidae Common Name: Halcitids, sweat bees Appearance: Sweat bees largely vary in appearance based on their origin. They may be metallic or non-metallic with yellow stripes. The short tongue and slim body set them apart from other species. Female sweat bees carry pollen in the pollen baskets located on the hind limbs. The characteristic curved vein on the wings is another distinguishing factor for these bees. Host Plants or Food: Sweat bees are exclusively pollen and nectar feeders and greatly assist in the process of pollination. Territory: Throughout the world but especially in Eastern and Southeastern USA Mode of Damage:  Flower feeders. They help in pollination as well through their specialized pollen baskets on the hind limbs. Habits and Life History: Sweat bees prefer temperate areas for their growth and development. They nest underground or in rotting woods, creating a specialized nest with cells on the way. The female mates with the males in spring and moves to its nest to deposit the egg and pollen. Only one egg is laid in each cell so the larva can grow properly. The larvae feed on the pollen until it transforms into an adult, after which it comes out of the nest for further reproduction. They are extremely valuable pollinators, even better than honey bees.